Concierge Medicine: Your Questions Answered

In the October 2012 issue, we investigated whether it was worth spending $1,500 or more a year on a physician who truly pays attention to you. Here, everything you need to know about what it would cost, what's included and how to find a concierge doctor that's right for you

by Cathryn Jakobson Ramin

What will it cost me?

· The retainers that concierge docs charge annually range from about $1100 to $2100, although some doctors in mega-bucks neighborhoods charge much more.

· Note that there are also direct-pay docs who accept fees on a month-to-month basis, but they do not provide all of the amenities described in the next column.

What is usually included?

· The annual comprehensive wellness physical, including a blood panel and in some practices, multiple screenings and tests.

· 24/7 access to physician by cell phone, email and text.

· Same-day office visits, with little or no waiting

· Care from your own physician if you get sick when you’re out of town.

· Plenty of time to talk over routine concerns during office visits

· Easily accessed and meticulously maintained electronic medical records, sometimes available to you on line, always ready to be sent to specialists or the ER.

· Facilitated referrals to specialists, meaning that your doctor will contact other doctors for you, arrange your appointments, discuss your case in detail with the specialist, and follow up with you about your visit to the specialist.

· Assistance you're your physician in obtaining pre-authorization and pinpointing the best specialist in network with your health care provider.

· Focus on preventive medicine, rather than reactive medicine

· In some practices, but definitely not all, a concierge doc will also care for your post-pediatrician-age child, up to age 26, included in your retainer fee.

· Procedures, surgery and hospitalization, including visits to the emergency room.

How can signing on with concierge doctor save me money?

· You may be able to switch to a high-deductible health insurance policy, thus reducing your monthly payments. (See: "What kind of health insurance plans work with concierge medicine?," below, for more on this.)